Welder Career Guide in Arkansas
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Arkansas.
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How to Become a Welder in Arkansas
Arkansas welding training is available through community colleges, technical campuses, manufacturers, industrial employers, and registered apprenticeships in structural steel and pipe trades.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Arkansas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Arkansas median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Arkansas is approximately $3,900 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Arkansas
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas welders usually complete technical-college instruction, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Core preparation includes:
- SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes
- Structural, production, and pipe welding
- Blueprints, welding symbols, and pipe isometrics
- Oxyfuel and plasma cutting
- Fitting, measurement, layout, and fabrication
- OSHA and industrial hot-work safety
Pipeline, structural-steel, pressure-system, and industrial employers may require API 1104, AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, or employer-specific qualification testing.
Welder Training Providers in Arkansas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College – Welding | North Little Rock | View Program |
| Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus – Welding Technology | Ozark | View Program |
| North Arkansas College – Welding Technology | Harrison | View Program |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech – Welding | Camden | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Arkansas
Boilermaker Apprenticeship Program – Arkansas Service Area
Organization: Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program
Welder Licensing Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas does not require a statewide occupational license for welders working as employees. Structural, industrial, pipeline, pressure-equipment, and construction employers may require recognized code or project-specific welder qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Arkansas
Arkansas welder employment is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 6,000 to 6,520 jobs, with about 660 annual openings. Manufacturing, transportation equipment, steel production, construction, pipelines, and industrial maintenance support demand.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Arkansas?
The statewide median wage for welders in Arkansas is approximately $47,100 per year, or $22.64 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Arkansas require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Arkansas. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a welder in Arkansas?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects welder employment to grow by approximately 9% from 2022 to 2032, with about 660 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Arkansas Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas Welder Wages
- Arkansas Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority